The Winnipeg Jets fell to the Minnesota Wild, which is not a thing I’ll anticipate having to write much once the regular season starts.
The Winnipeg Jets blew a lead in a game to the Wild, but that doesn’t matter much. Players still look good, for the most part, and there’s just one game left until they start to matter.
Well, for most teams. The Blackhawks get to play games that don’t matter all season, how fun for them.
I have two takeaways from this game, and yes, one is still about Laurent Brossoit. I just can’t get enough of talking about this boy.
But in all fairness, it’s the biggest storyline. I have no inside edge on what youngsters are locking up roster spots. Paul Maurice and Kevin Cheveldayoff are playing that one a bit close to the vest, just as you would expect.
I can tell you who is playing well, but that’s about it. It seems fairly obvious, however, that Brossoit will be the backup to starter Connor Hellebuyck. Getting this start showed they want to see him as much as possible. I’m totally cool with it.
And after playing quite well in the first game, he’s looked like a backup the next two. Hey, maybe he’s rusty. He just had a whole offseason. It’s only natural for people to have to get into game shape.
But this is all we have of Brossoit. You can’t really take his time with the Oilers as reality. He’s essentially never played for an NHL team before. Cam Talbot is good on other teams.
Connor McDavid might but up 150 on a real team. Imagine him on the Jets, centering Blake Wheeler and Kyle Connor. Throw Scheifele on the second line. That team’s scoring 300+ goals.
Maybe close to 350. Regardless, Brossoit had the lead in this one, but gave up two goals in the third to give it away. It wasn’t egregious. It just wasn’t great. Brossoit looks like a capable backup right now. That’s about it.
Big Buff Bows Up
The man, Dustin Byfuglien. He won a cup once, and he probably really wants another one. If this preseason is any indication, he’s playing like it.
I want the Jets to play Buff in about 65 games this season. He’s the teams oldest regular, and he’s so important. I want him at his best for the playoffs. Right now he leads the team in goals (3) and points (6) for the preseason. It’s good to see him have fire for meaningless games.
It tells me he’s motivated. I like motivated Byfuglien. Let’s get it, boys.
Kristian Vesalainen netted his first goal, and it came on the powerplay. I figured we’d see something very Patrik Laine-esque, especially with the man advantage.
A nice one-timer from the circle? No. Okay. Buff put a shot on net, Vesalainen corralled the rebound and….spun around and put it in behind him? Okay, fair enough. A very interesting goal.
He’s obviously talented, but this, as cool as it was, didn’t look much like a highlight-reel goal. They all count the same, Kristian. Can’t wait to see this dude in the regular season, and I hope it’s this year.